Your room block questions answered!
As George Banks so eloquently put it in the 1991 film Father of the Bride, “I used to think a wedding was a simple affair. Boy and girl meet; they fall in love. He buys a ring. She buys a dress. They say I do. I was wrong. That’s getting married. A wedding is an entirely different proposition.”
All dad jokes aside, most weddings are massive undertakings. It takes months to meticulously plan the details of the big day. There’s selecting the ideal flowers that are both seasonally available and Pantone-perfect. There’s creating a menu that feels both filling and downright delicious. There’s deciding between a string quartet, a DJ and a band—or perhaps all three. Those few items don’t even begin to cover venues, photographers, videographers, invitations or attire. As the list of things to do gets longer, one item you should consider prioritizing is booking your hotel block. This is a designated collection of rooms at a particular hotel, often reserved for weddings or other large events, and offered at a discounted rate. Besides the obvious cost savings, blocks provide a central location and allow guests to mingle and get to know each other between festivities.
When planning where to host guests, think about some of the amenities offered at the accommodations as well as beyond them. Tara Warshaw, the director of sales and marketing at the Bellyard Hotel, says the best hotels for wedding guests are those that offer a prime location, particularly for walking. Since many out-of-towners likely won’t have vehicles, give your guests a great experience by choosing a centrally located hotel. “If you don’t have every moment of your guests’ weekend scheduled, it’s important to have a location where it’s walkable, and there’s lots for them to do in that area [immediately around the property].”
A few hours of free time between wedding-related activities can allow visitors to experience the city as well as have some fun. Mixed-use developments, such as The Interlock where the Bellyard Hotel is, are ideal for hosting, thanks to their immediate access to places like indoor mini-golf gaming center Puttshack and various bars and restaurants such as Michelin-recognized Miller Union, Bacchanalia, Hayakawa, Mujō and Marcel. Similar hotels in Buckhead that offer prime proximity to neighborhood attractions are Thompson Atlanta and The St. Regis, both within walking distance of Buckhead Village, and Nobu Atlanta that neighbors Phipps Plaza.
Onsite amenities are important to consider as well, and we’re not talking just pools, spas and gyms. Ask your preferred hotel about their shuttle service options. Smaller, boutique hotels, especially in a large city, do not have an on-site shuttle, so a rental might be required, “Be sure to ask what standing times are allowed. We, for example, only allow a shuttle to stand for 20 minutes at a time because of blocking traffic,” says Warshaw. Knowing not only how long a shuttle can park to pick up guests but also where guests can get on and off is important for smooth transitions and limited confusion. Some hotels may also offer individual or on-demand service.
Think about perks such as hospitality suites or private gathering spaces, too. While large, 500-room hotels might have plenty of spots for guests to linger, smaller, trendy boutique hotels might not. Warshaw recommends planning for a private event space. While it might be a larger expense, it guarantees the best experience for you and your guests.
Warshaw’s number one piece of advice is to secure your hotel block as far as a year in advance. That timing can make a huge difference in planning, especially when it comes to getting the best rates. Boutique hotels, says Warshaw, rely on last-minute travelers, so fares tend to increase about four months before the intended date. Additionally, Warshaw warns that some hotels put a cap on their wedding availability. “Weddings can be taxing on a hotel because there can be a lot of requests and moving parts, so while a hotel may have some rooms still available, they’re not taking any more groups or weddings.”
As far as early check-ins, it’s best not to count on them. Checking in early isn’t always a guarantee, especially in the boutique hotel space, so if getting into a room ahead of time is a priority, Warshaw recommends booking an additional night. “Even if you have to pay for [an extra night], you won’t have that headache of sitting in the lobby waiting and potentially not being able to get into your room until check-in time, which is three o’clock.” Eliminate those extra stresses by strategically planning your arrival days.
Get the most out of your hotel block by planning. Doing so will give you and your guests peace of mind and set the right tone for wedding festivities.
BELLYARD HOTEL
404.806.8333
bellyardhotel.com
@bellyardhotel
SLEEP TIGHT
3 SPECTACULAR SUITES TO SPEND YOUR WEDDING NIGHT
1. NOBU VILLA AT NOBU
At 2,138 square feet, this impressive suite has ample room for entertaining close friends and family or getting ready for your big debut. While the space is beautifully appointed throughout, the custom-painted piano is the main attraction.
2. PRESIDENTIAL SUITE AT THE WALDORF ASTORIA ATLANTA BUCKHEAD
Recently debuted after a grand redesign, the 2,340-square-foot room features a fireside lounge, deco millwork and bespoke, custom-designed furnishings for plenty of room to relax after the big day.
hilton.com/en/hotels/atlwawa-waldorf-astoria-atlanta-buckhead
3. CORNER SUITE AT THE ST. REGIS
While the room itself is a stunning example of luxury, the crown jewel of this suite is the incredible bathroom, complete with a soaking tub and views of the neighborhood below.
marriott.com/en-us/ hotels/atlxr-the-st-regis-atlanta/overview
